Rich Lang Leaving Central Methodist

Thu., June 22, 2000

By Nina Culver nculver47@gmail.com

The Rev. Rich Lang will say goodbye to the congregation of Central United Methodist Church on Sunday. A reception will follow the 10:30 a.m. worship service at the church, at 518 W. Third.

Lang has served at Central for the past five years and was instrumental in founding Shalom Ministries, an outreach program that provides free meals and other assistance to low-income downtown residents. Lang has been reassigned to Trinity United Methodist in Seattle, and Jim Grady has been selected as the new Shalom Ministries director.

Lang said he asked to be reassigned because he thought his work in Spokane was finished.

“Shalom Zone is strong and stable,” he said. “I wanted to get back to pastoring churches.”

His assignment in Seattle will be to help redevelop Trinity Church. The building itself is larger than Central’s, but the congregation has dwindled to only 60 people.

“It’s a special project that I’m being sent there for,” Lang said.

Evening Bible school scheduled

Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 639 Elm in Cheney is planning to host a vacation Bible school session on Wednesdays from July 5 through Aug. 2. Each free session will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and will include a potluck dinner. The theme of the intergenerational event is “Great Adventures of Faith” and will include classes for all ages.

Those planning to attend must preregister by calling the church office at 235-6300.

Buddhists offer Dharma school

The Spokane Buddhist Church, 927 S. Perry, will host a summer Dharma school during July. Classes will be held from 10 a.m. to noon July 17-19 for children in grades K-12. Children must be registered before June 30 by calling Bob Wheeler at 238-2529.

Piano concert planned

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church will present pianist Robyn Wells in concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church. The performance will highlight classical works by Italian composers. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The church is located at 316 E. 24th.

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